Mäzenatentum in Deutschland. Eine Chance für die Stadtentwicklung?

Abstract. The article deals with the growing importance of philanthropy regarding German urban development in recent years. Between the opposing poles of financial shortage of public authorities and increasing concentration of private assets, the financial and local engagement of wealthy citizens open up creative leeway for urban policy. Two nationwide surveys in 467 cities respectively 5000 foundations in 22 cities as well as 24 qualitative interviews with various decision makers from policy, administration, economy and foundation system provide the empirical basis for this article. Key findings of the article are two systematisations. One systematisation categorizes German cities regarding their level of philanthropy activity. The other systematisation outlines different project types concerning the strategy and procedure of cooperation between philanthropists and local authorities.